Solve at MIT 2022
Solve at MIT 2022 is an engaging, three-day event open to the MIT Solve Community on Thursday, May 5 through Saturday, May 7. Solve at MIT brings together these global innovators to build partnerships and tackle global challenges in real-time alongside the Solve community. If you have a registration code and need to submit a late registration, please contact events@solve.mit.edu.
Re-Live Highlights from Solve at MIT
Opening Plenary - Ethical and Inclusive Innovation
Investing in Community-Led Solutions in the U.S.
Promoting Our Care Providers
Young Leaders on the Horizon
About the Event
Every year, MIT Solve hosts open innovation Challenges to source tech-based solutions to urgent global problems. The most promising social entrepreneurs from across the world are chosen to join our Solver class in the areas of Economic Prosperity, Sustainability, Learning, and Health.
Solve at MIT brings together these global innovators to build partnerships and tackle global challenges in real-time alongside the Solve community–Solver teams, MIT faculty, and social impact leaders from Solve Member organizations, such as General Motors, The Nature Conservatory, HP, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and many more.
Join the Solve Community
Interested in future MIT Solve events? Learn more about membership here or reach out to membership@solve.mit.edu.
Technology has helped support positive developments in the last decades: reducing infant mortality rate and extreme poverty, connecting billions to the internet, information, and finance through smartphones, and more. However, technology is also a source of potential harm and growing inequality, especially when designed without thought for unintended consequences, ecological degradation, ethical principles, or the problems facing the most underserved communities. From proximity to accessibility, hear from those on the cutting-edge of innovation for social and environmental justice about how we can design technology that advances humanity while also protecting it.
You can learn more about designing for, with, and by people who are underserved on MIT D-Lab’s website.
Session Speakers
Linda Henry
CEO, Boston Globe Media
Noubar Afeyan
Co-Founder and Chairman, Moderna
June Sugiyama
Director, Vodafone Americas Foundation || Judge for the Innovation for Women Prize
Helena Samsioe
Founder & CEO, GLOBHE
Kristin Welch
Founder and Executive Director, Waking Women Healing Institute
Shirin Ebadi
Nobel Peace Prize Winner; Founder, Defenders of Human Rights Center (virtual)
Serhii Plokhy
Director and Professor of Ukrainian History, Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University (Pre-Recorded)
Yuval Noah Harari
Historian, Bestselling Author, and Co-Founder, Sapienship (Pre-Recorded)
Azra Akšamija
Director, Art, Culture and Technology program, the Future Heritage Lab
L. Rafael Reif
President, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyIn this interactive and action-driven session, hear from our Solver teams who will showcase the progress they have made since being selected at Solve Challenge Finals. Solver teams still seek guidance and resources to grow their impact. Participants will collaborate with two different Solver teams, providing advice and brainstorming partnerships to advance their solutions to the 2021 Challenges: (1) Health Security & Pandemics, (2) Digital Inclusion, (3) and Indigenous Communities.
In this interactive and action-driven session, hear from our Solver teams who will showcase the progress they have made since being selected at Solve Challenge Finals. Solver teams still seek guidance and resources to grow their impact. Participants will collaborate with two different Solver teams, providing advice and brainstorming partnerships to advance their solutions to the 2021 Challenges: (1) Resilient Ecosystems, (2) Antiracist Technology in the US, (3) and Equitable Classrooms.
In this interactive and action-driven session, hear from our Solver teams who will showcase the progress they have made since being selected at Solve Challenge Finals. Solver teams still seek guidance and resources to grow their impact. Participants will collaborate with two different Solver teams, providing advice and brainstorming partnerships to advance their solutions to the 2021 Challenges: (1) Health Security & Pandemics, (2) Digital Inclusion, (3) and Indigenous Communities.
In this interactive and action-driven session, hear from our Solver teams who will showcase the progress they have made since being selected at Solve Challenge Finals. Solver teams still seek guidance and resources to grow their impact. Participants will collaborate with two different Solver teams, providing advice and brainstorming partnerships to advance their solutions to the 2021 Challenges: (1) Health Security & Pandemics, (2) Digital Inclusion, (3) and Indigenous Communities.
Hosted by APCO Worldwide.
The challenges on the global agenda are complex, interconnected, and ever-changing. From climate action and environmental sustainability to matters of equity and justice, advancing progress requires transformation across entire systems. Today, all organizations across public and private sectors are expected to lead on societal issues and embed ESG-driven practices and solutions into their business strategies, products, operations and workforce. We see a proliferation of strategic partnerships across business sectors, and also between business and NGOs, foundations and social entrepreneurs to multiply collective impact and accelerate positive change. Please join APCO Worldwide and guests to explore how organizations are innovating to address environmental and social sustainability challenges and rising expectations to create a better alignment between business and societal impact.
**Salon dinners are invitation only. You will have received a confirmation email if you are attending.
Hosted by H.S.H. the Prince Henri d’Arenberg, Founder & Chairman, be.Source, a private foundation under Belgian law
Care work is ubiquitous and essential. With many countries experiencing growth in their aging population – currently 46 million over the age of 65 in the US but expected to reach 90 million by 2050 – the demand for care and wrap-around services to support later life is only increasing. The aging of our population, in combination with the risk of poverty and social exclusion, is a major challenge today, and will be even more so for future generations. High-quality care for these groups enables a higher quality of life, and can provide meaningful outcomes, and even extend life. Join H.S.H. the Prince Henri d’Arenberg, Founder & Chairman, be.Source, a private foundation under Belgian law, for a discussion about new solutions to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged elderly people.
**Salon dinners are invitation only. You will have received a confirmation email if you are attending.
Hosted by MIT Solve, Indigenous Communities Fellowship
Join us as we gather around the table to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our 2020 and 2021 Indigenous Communities Fellows who are working to create a bright and prosperous future for generations to come. Share in good food, good stories, and great company for an evening to remember
**Salon dinners are invitation only. You will have received a confirmation email if you are attending.
Hosted by MIT Solve, Climate + Sustainability
Join MIT Solve for a Salon dinner focused on innovation to support Climate and Sustainability. As we shift our Sustainability Challenge to being solely focused on climate, it is important for us to bring together our community for intentional conversations around best practices, gaps in tech-based climate innovation and how to meet Sustainable Development Goals. We look forward to hearing from the leaders in our community on these various important topics.
**Salon dinners are invitation only. You will have received a confirmation email if you are attending.
For centuries in the United States, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have demonstrated resilience and ingenuity in the face of institutionalized racism, anti-Blackness, settler colonialism, and social oppression. Yet despite calls for racial equity and restitution, progress is still too slow - with BIPOC wealth, education, and health indicators highlighting continued inequality compared to white Americans. Additionally, only 1% of all startup venture-funding goes to Black founders in the U.S., while investment in rural and heartland communities continues to lag significantly compared to coastal urban centers. Hear from community leaders, investors, and funders who are working across the country to build more equitable, antiracist futures powered by technology.
Session Speakers
Ceasar L. McDowell
Professor of the Practice, Civic Design; Associate Department Head, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, MIT Associate Director, Center for Constructive Communication, MIT
Angela Jackson
Chief Ecosystem Investment Officer, Kapor Enterprises
Jeffrey Cyr
CEO, Raven Indigenous Impact Foundation
Omolara Fatiregun
Founder & CEO, Thrive Industries Incorporated (THRIVE!)
Lynette Bell
President, Truist Foundation
David Alabo
Multi-disciplinary ArtistIn this interactive and action-driven session, hear from our Solver teams who will showcase the progress they have made since being selected at Solve Challenge Finals. Solver teams still seek guidance and resources to grow their impact. Participants will collaborate with two different Solver teams, providing advice and brainstorming partnerships to advance their solutions to the 2021 Challenges: (1) Resilient Ecosystems, (2) Antiracist Technology in the US, (3) and Equitable Classrooms.
In this interactive and action-driven session, hear from our Solver teams who will showcase the progress they have made since being selected at Solve Challenge Finals. Solver teams still seek guidance and resources to grow their impact. Participants will collaborate with two different Solver teams, providing advice and brainstorming partnerships to advance their solutions to the 2021 Challenges: (1) Resilient Ecosystems, (2) Antiracist Technology in the US, (3) and Equitable Classrooms.
Join cross-sector leaders for a dive into Solve’s 2022 Global Challenges. Led by members of Solve’s Challenge Leadership Groups, this workshop will feature moderated, interactive discussions on Challenge themes. Participants will brainstorm specific action points to advance solutions to various dimensions of each of the 2022 Challenges:
The Care Economy
Re-Engaging Learners
Climate: Ecosystems + Housing
Equitable Health Systems
Join cross-sector leaders for a dive into Solve’s 2022 Global Challenges. Led by members of Solve’s Challenge Leadership Groups, this workshop will feature moderated, interactive discussions on Challenge themes. Participants will brainstorm specific action points to advance solutions to various dimensions of each of the 2022 Challenges:
The Care Economy
Re-Engaging Learners
Climate: Ecosystems + Housing
Equitable Health Systems
Join cross-sector leaders for a dive into Solve’s 2022 Global Challenges. Led by members of Solve’s Challenge Leadership Groups, this workshop will feature moderated, interactive discussions on Challenge themes. Participants will brainstorm specific action points to advance solutions to various dimensions of each of the 2022 Challenges:
The Care Economy
Re-Engaging Learners
Climate: Ecosystems + Housing
Equitable Health Systems
Join cross-sector leaders for a dive into Solve’s 2022 Global Challenges. Led by members of Solve’s Challenge Leadership Groups, this workshop will feature moderated, interactive discussions on Challenge themes. Participants will brainstorm specific action points to advance solutions to various dimensions of each of the 2022 Challenges:
The Care Economy
Re-Engaging Learners
Climate: Ecosystems + Housing
Equitable Health Systems
Around the world, women play an outsized role in the health, wellbeing, and economic survival of their families and communities. Despite continued calls for gender equality, women and girls remain disproportionately responsible for caring for the sick, providing childcare, and managing the household. Most of this work is either unpaid or falls outside the formal economy with low safety and wages; in some places, it still fuels slavery and trafficking. Yet, this care work is critical to the education and health of all and provides incredible economic value even if it’s not recognized. The “Care Economy” is ripe for innovation and investment. Hear from corporate, government, and nonprofit leaders on how we can value our care providers and support gender equality globally.
Session Speakers
Anne Wojcicki
Co-Founder & CEO, 23andMe (virtual)
Mat Honan
Editor in Chief, MIT Technology Review
Catherine Mohr
President , the Intuitive Foundation
Cynthia Breazeal
Dean for Digital Learning, MIT
Palak Shah
Social Innovations Director, National Domestic Workers Alliance
Janti Soeripto
President & Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children
Sabrina Asturias
Chief of Trauma and Emergency Surgery at Roosevelt Hospital and Professor of Trauma Simulation, Francisco Marroquin school of Medicine
Latanya Mapp Frett
President and CEO, Global Fund for Women
Michael Christian
Board President, Someone Else’s Child and Managing Partner, Community Impact Ventures, L.P.
Utsav Kheria
Co-Founder, Rocket Learning-responsive.jpg)
Vilas Dhar
President & Trustee, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
Melissa Corto
CEO & Co-Founder, Education ModifiedHosted by Linda Henry, CEO, Boston Globe Media Partners
It is never too early to be a part of the solution. Young people are rising up and responding to the social and environmental problems that their communities and the world face every day. Join us for a Salon Dinner during Solve at MIT, May 6 to discuss how we can empower and unleash the entrepreneurial spirit in young minds. Hear from our Solv[ED] youth innovators who are harnessing their agency and developing solutions that address systemic barriers. These young innovators are designing tech-based and community-centered solutions, which are improving the existing world and will continue to do so for generations to come.
**Salon dinners are invitation only. You will have received a confirmation email if you are attending.
Hosted by Solve Innovation Future.
This Salon Dinner will spotlight the work of the Solve Innovation Future investees, and guests will discuss strategies for funding entrepreneurs focused on solving the world’s most pressing problems—and get to know each other over dinner.
**Salon dinners are invitation only. You will have received a confirmation email if you are attending.
Join cross-sector leaders for a dive into Solve’s Community Roundtable Sessions. Led by members of Solve’s staff and community, this session will feature thoughtful questions, engaging conversation, and actionable ideas around three specific programs:
Solv[ED] - supporting young social innovators around the world
Solve Innovation Future - scaling social innovations using strategic financial tools, including venture philanthropy
Black and Brown Innovators - supporting innovation for racial equity across the US
Join cross-sector leaders for a dive into Solve’s Community Roundtable Sessions. Led by members of Solve’s staff and community, this session will feature thoughtful questions, engaging conversation, and actionable ideas around three specific programs:
Solv[ED] - supporting young social innovators around the world
Solve Innovation Future - scaling social innovations using strategic financial tools, including venture philanthropy
Black and Brown Innovators - supporting innovation for racial equity across the US
Join cross-sector leaders for a dive into Solve’s Community Roundtable Sessions. Led by members of Solve’s staff and community, this session will feature thoughtful questions, engaging conversation, and actionable ideas around three specific programs:
Solv[ED] - supporting young social innovators around the world
Solve Innovation Future - scaling social innovations using strategic financial tools, including venture philanthropy
Black and Brown Innovators - supporting innovation for racial equity across the US
From climate change to education, agriculture to healthcare, young leaders are stepping forward to jolt systems into action using their ingenuity and innovation, as well as their passion and matter-of-fact urgency. Hear from the next generation about what they are doing in the face of impatient impact, and what that means for all of us.
Session Speakers
Sanjay Sarma
Vice President for Open Learning, MIT
Eyitayo Ogunmola
CEO, Utiva
Gita Syahrani
Chief of Partnership, Alam Siak Lestari
Thanasios Dilos
Co-Founder and CGO, Civics Unplugged
Sakena Yacoobi
President & Executive Director, the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL)
Benjamin Alexander
Jamaica's first Olympic Alpine ski racer, (virtual)
Geci Karuri-Sebina
Organizer, African Civic Tech Innovation Network
Gideon Lichfield
Global Editorial Director, WIRED
Javier Van Cauwelaert
CEO, SmartFish, Value rescue for sustainable seafood
Accommodations in the Boston area can be pricey, and depending on when you visit, very hard to find. In particular, please be advised that the months of May and June constitute Commencement season in eastern Massachusetts, so hotels and restaurants are especially busy during that time.
We strongly advise reserving your accommodations before arriving.
We have arranged discounted rates at two hotels located close to the venues where Solve at MIT is occurring.
20 Sidney Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617-577-0200
Toll-free: 800-543-4300
Promo code: MT2
2 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
Phone: 617-494-6600
Toll-free: 800-228-9290
Promo code: MT2
PARKING INFORMATION AT MIT
Please find information on public parking on MIT's campus here. Solve will not reimburse for parking.
We are planning for an in-person event on MIT’s campus, but we are carefully monitoring the public health landscape and will be in touch should anything change.
For the most up to date Covid-19 protocols and updates at MIT, click here.
In order to access MIT’s campus and MIT-sponsored events via the Tim Tickets system (MIT’s visitor pass system), invited visitors and event attendees must provide contact information and attest to being fully vaccinated against Covid-19, including a booster shot for eligible individuals, or having a religious belief or medical condition that prevents them from receiving the vaccine.
If you have any questions, please email events@solve.mit.edu.
Ethical and Inclusive Innovation: Solving With, By, and For the Most Underserved
Where: Kresge Auditorium (W16, 48 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA 02139)
Date: Thursday, May 5, 2:00–3:30 PM
Technology has helped support positive developments in the last decades: reducing infant mortality rate and extreme poverty, connecting billions to the internet, information, and finance through smartphones, and more. However, technology is also a source of potential harm and growing inequality, especially when designed without thought for unintended consequences, ethical principles, or the problems facing the most underserved communities. From proximity to accessibility, hear from those on the cutting-edge of innovation for social and environmental justice about how we can design technology that advances humanity while also protecting it. You can learn more about designing for, with, and by people who are underserved on MIT D-Lab’s website.
Attendees are required to follow all MIT Covid-19 protocols. If you cannot attend in person, you can still watch the event livestream on our website (no registration required).
Featured Speakers
Yuval Noah Harari
Shirin Ebadi
Noubar Afeyan
Serhii Plokhy
Azra Akšamija
Re-Live Highlights from Solve at MIT
Opening Plenary - Ethical and Inclusive Innovation
Investing in Community-Led Solutions in the U.S.
Promoting Our Care Providers
Young Leaders on the Horizon